Seiko Navigator Timer 'Proof'

While we love the romance of chronographs, moonphases, and minute repeaters, it’s one of watchmaking’s simplest complications that proves the most useful in everyday life: the GMT.

A GMT watch tracks a second time zone at a glance. Whether you’re a pilot, a jet-setter, an international playboy (we don’t judge), or simply coordinating calls across continents, the GMT remains one of the most practical tools ever fitted to a wrist.

As frequent travelers, you’ll often find a GMT strapped to our wrists. And if you were to poll our colleagues in the watch industry, you might be surprised by how many would agree. For the global age, these are arguably the most functional watches in the game — and they usually deliver some of the coolest designs to match.

One of our all-time favorites is the Seiko Reference 6117-6410. Produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it features a distinctive case design, a rugged in-house movement, and a striking dial-and-bezel layout, all at a price that still feels like a steal. This early example becomes even more desirable thanks to its “WATER PROOF” stamped dial — a short-lived detail replaced later by “WATER RESIST.”

The Reference 6117-6410 features a 38.5mm stainless steel tonneau case with a domed acrylic crystal and an unsigned 4 o’clock crown. Its black dial is wonderfully legible, with a luminous minute track, applied indices, a crisp red/blue day-night scale, a red GMT hand, and a date at 3 o’clock. Paired with Seiko’s automatic Calibre 6117A and an excellent multi-link bracelet, it makes tracking a second time zone effortless.

Robust, handsome, and endlessly practical, the 6117 is the kind of vintage GMT no serious collector should pass up — especially one this well-preserved.

For over 140 years, Seiko has been cranking out innovative and impeccably engineered watches at every price point, from entry-level Seiko 5s to world-class haute horlogerie pieces under the Grand Seiko brand. Underpinning the company’s efforts has been the mass production of reliable and accurate movements paired with a wide array of case and dial configurations.

Founded in 1881 by clockmaker and businessman Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, Japan as “K. Hattori,” Seiko began importing Western timepieces and selling them in the local market. In 1892, Hattori changed the name of the firm to Seikosha (“house of exquisite workmanship”), which was further altered to “Seiko” in 1924. Following the Second World War, during which Seiko produced watches for the Japanese military, the company began its streak of innovations based upon affordable, in-house movements and Japanese savoir faire. These included myriad dive watches such as the famed 6105 and the fan-favorite 6139 chronograph.

Later, in 1969, Seiko would go on to produce the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. This technological innovation was followed by the Seiko Kinetic in the 1980s, which married quartz accuracy with automatic, self-powering functionality. Today, Seiko’s product offerings are vast, including dress watches, dive watches, chronographs and much more, all of which are powered by in-house movements comprising different types of technology.

Despite a move toward luxury positioning and pricing in the brand’s modern offerings, vintage Seiko classics can still be had at incredibly reasonable prices today, making them a favorite entry point into the vintage watch world for myriad collectors. From their availability in post exchanges on military bases around the world to their fame from films such as Apocalypse Now to their presence at six Olympic Games, Seiko watches are deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the contemporary collector.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.